Life in the Peruvian Jungle

Happy Thanksgiving To You All

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us! We had a marvelous time celebrating Thanksgiving with 102 of our friends in the Pucallpa missionary community (wow, didn’t realize there were so many of us). We had turkey, stuffing, pecan pie and all the goodies in between. What a blessing it was to us to be with these “family away from family” this year.

Some other things we are thankful for:

Dan – “That my wife and son made it safely to today.” Last Thanksgiving, we made the announcement about Micah’s upcoming arrival, and as you know, we’ve had a crazy year getting him here. Thanks, God, for good health for all of us!

Dalaina – “That God is never surprised.” It’s easy to feel anxious about the unknowns (like getting back into the jungle). I am learning to trust God that His plans are based in His eternal knowledge, and I can’t really mess them up so long as I am walking close to Him. Thanks, God, for Your continued guidance.

Ben – “For getting to jump on the trampoline today!” We get to have lots of adventures together as a family, and we’re thankful for one another. Thanks, God, that you have given us the gift of family, that even when life is constantly in transition, we keep one another stable.

Jake – “For Veggie Tales!” Carrying that idea further, we are grateful to live in this time. While many bemoan the state of the world, I am grateful to live in a time when technology enables us to remain a part of our community back home. Unlike ever before, we are able to easily keep in touch with our friends, family, and supporters back home (whom we are also VERY thankful for!). Thanks, God, for the brains and creativity of scientists who continue to make it easier to reach the world with the Gospel.

Micah – that my grandma is coming to see me! We just made plans to have Grandma Sonia come visit us the first week of December. She will watch the big boys for a couple of days while Dan and I are in Lima with Micah finishing up his residency visa, then we will return and enjoy the rest of her visit. Thanks, God, for the surprises that you love to give to us.

Moses – “For this whole world full of God’s glory.” Yeah, he really said that. And he’s right. There is so much more to be thankful for than we could ever put in an e-mail, and it all comes down to that. Our families, friends, adventures, and pleasures all come to us from God who is eternally glorified and delighted with our joy. EVERY good and perfect gift is from above, coming down to us from the Father (James 1:17). Thanks God, for all you do for us, but even more for who You are!